BOOK XIX.
[Y.R. 502. B.C. 250.] C. Caecilius Metellus,
having been successful in several engagements with the Carthaginians, triumphs with more splendour than had ever yet
been seen; thirteen generals of the enemy, and one hundred
and twenty elephants, being exhibited in the procession. [Y.R.
503. B.C. 249.] Claudius Pulcher, consul, obstinately persisting, notwithstanding the omens were inauspicious, engages
the enemy's fleet, and is beaten; drowns the sacred chickens
which would not feed: recalled by the senate, and ordered to
nominate a dictator; he appoints Claudius Glicia, one of the
lowest of the people, who, notwithstanding his being ordered
to abdicate the office, yet attends the celebration of the public
games in his dictator's robe. [Y.R. 504. B.C. 248.] Atilius
Calatinus, the first dictator who marches with an army out of
Italy. An exchange of prisoners with the Carthaginians.
Two colonies established at Fregenae and Brundusium in the
Sallentine territories. [Y.R. 505. B.C. 247.] A lustrum; the
citizens numbered amount to two hundred and fifty-one thousand two hundred and twenty-two. [Y.R. 506. B.C. 246.]
Claudia, the sister of Claudius, who had fought unsuccessfully,
in contempt of the auspices, being pressed by the crowd, as
she was returning from the game, cries out,
I wish my brother
were alive and had again the command of the fleet: for which
offence she is tried and fined. [Y.R. 507. B.C. 245.] Two
praetors now first created. Aulus Postumius, consul, being
[p. 699]
priest of Mars, forcibly detained in the city by Caecilius Metellus, the high priest, and not suffered to go forth to war,
being obliged by law to attend to the sacred duties of his
office. [Y.R. 508. B.C. 244.] After several successful engagements with the Carthaginians, Caius Lutatius, consul,
puts an end to the war, [Y.R. 509. B.C. 243.] by gaining a
complete victory over their fleet, at the island of Aegate. The
Carthaginians sue for peace, which is granted to them. [Y.R.
510. B.C. 242.] The temple of Vesta being on fire, the high
priest, Caecilius Metellus, saves the sacred utensils from the
flames. [Y.R. 511. B.C. 241.] Two new tribes added, the Veline and Quirine. The Falisci rebel; are subdued in six days.
